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Home Inspection: Foundation

Home Owner Tips

BASEMENTS

Avoid basements and sub floor crawl spaces if you see standing water or wet soil and improper electrical wiring. Because 90% of sub floor wetness is caused by improper surface drainage, there may be simple cures for settlement problems like adding downspout extensions, splash blocks, and gutters. You'll rarely see insects, but the holes and tubes they leave behind are easy to spot. Use an awl to probe worn looking wood, especially around mudsills, posts, and stair carriages resting directly on soil or concrete. Have a pest specialist do a thorough survey whenever you see evidence of pests or decay.

Inspection Focus

Foundation inspections are visual an limited to accessible components. Accessibility will vary due to type of foundation and other obstacles. The most common problem concerning foundations is water.

Access

Inspectors will access foundation components based on their design. For instance, unfinished basements offer complete access while slab foundation offer very little.

Foundation walls

Inspectors will attempt to identify the type of materials used in the foundation and look for abnormal cracks, wear, or movement. If warranted, additional structural inspections may be recommended.

Insulation

Insulation in basements and crawl spaces may obstruct the inspector's view. Impoperly installed insulation may trap moisture and lead to rot.

Ventilation

Basements and crawl spaces require proper ventilation to allow moisture to escape. Perimeter vents or windows in the foundation help aid evaporation. Vents should be closed during winter months in colder climates.

Sump Pump / Dryness / Drainage

Basement and crawl space areas prone to water problems should have a sump pump. Removing water reduces the amount of moisture and likelihood of insects in the home. Proper grading at the outside foundation, the use of sump pumps, and / or gravity drainage helps keep basements and crawl spaces dry.

Floor / Slab

The concrete floor (slab) inspection is very limited due to lack of accessibility. Inspectors will report the presence of floor coverings (i.E. Tile, carpeting), and will note signs of movement or cracks.